Weight of War Run Returns to Cronulla
Cronulla RSL is proud to host the Weight of War Run in Cronulla on Saturday 5 December 2026, bringing the community together to raise awareness and support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australian veterans.
Following the success of last year’s event, the 2026 Cronulla event will be bigger and bring even more action to the Club, with the Cronulla RSL grounds becoming a basecamp for participants, supporters and the wider community. There will be activity on the green, along with a bar and entertainment, creating an opportunity for the community to come together, show their support and get behind an important cause.
The Weight of War Run is a unique challenge where participants can choose to complete 21km, 10km, 5km, a 1km walk or set their own distance. The signature 21km challenge involves carrying a 10kg weighted vest while wearing a pair of budgy smugglers. The vest represents the invisible weight many veterans carry, while the budgy smugglers represent the courage it can take to ask for help.
The event is open to everyone, whether you have a Defence background or not. There are no placings, no prizes and no pressure to compete. It is about mateship, connection and carrying the load together. The event is completely free to enter, with participants encouraged to register through the official Weight of War website.
Funds raised through the event will support veteran mental health initiatives through Weight of War’s partners, Survive To Thrive Nation and Zero79 Foundation, which supports current and former members of Australia’s Special Operations 2nd Commando Regiment community and their families.
Cronulla RSL is also inviting local businesses, community organisations and supporters who would like to get behind the event to get involved. There are opportunities to support the day, participate as a team, donate or simply come along and show your support for participants as they take on the challenge.
The Weight of War Run will take place simultaneously in Cronulla, Brisbane, Karratha and Canberra on Saturday 5 December 2026. In Cronulla, the event will start and finish at Cronulla RSL.
Registrations are free and can be completed through the official Weight of War website at weightofwarrun.com. Donations can also be made to support the important work of the organisations assisting Australian veterans and their families.
For those looking to take on the full 21km challenge, Weight of War has developed a dedicated 13 week training program to help participants prepare for the physical and mental demands of completing a half marathon while carrying a 10kg weight vest. The program is designed to build fitness progressively and help participants prepare safely for the challenge. View the 21km Weighted Vest Running Program
Whether you take on 21km, walk 1km, volunteer, donate or simply cheer from the sidelines, Cronulla RSL is proud to be part of a community coming together to help carry the weight.
